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6 tough questions fielded by PM Abbasi in his maiden US visit
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is currently in New York to attend the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly. His maiden visit to US as prime minister comes at a time when the relationship between the two countries is on a downward trajectory in the wake of US President Donald Trump's Afghan and South Asia policy.
In his various interactions with American media and think tanks, Abbasi — who is said to be media shy — had to face some compelling questions.
Here's our round-up:
On Pakistan's blasphemy laws
Ken Roth of the Human Rights Watch asked Abbasi during a session at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) think tank whether he as prime minister would speak out against the blasphemy law under which a Christian man was recently sentenced to death for a poem he sent on WhatsApp that was deemed blasphemous.
Abbasi replied: "The laws in the country are very clear, and it’s only up to the parliament to amend the laws. The job of the government is to make sure that the laws are not abused and innocent people are not prosecuted or prosecuted."
When stressed by the moderator that the prime minister could still speak out on the issue, Abbasi said: "Well, as I said, the law is there. The law is in place. The law is in force. The courts can comment on the law. But until it’s in — it’s in force, it’s the job of the government to enforce the law."
On founding AirBlue
The prime minister was asked what lessons he was able to bring from his business relationship as the founder of AirBlue (a private airline) to the Pakistani economy.
Abbasi: "...Yes, it’s working well so far, I guess. But, no, basically this is a dynamic business. So it helps you— decision-making helps. So I think it’s good training for politics in some ways, although I think Mr. Trump’s airline didn’t do so well. (Laughter.) So we can really learn some lessons there. (Laughter.)"
On India's role in Afghanistan
An audience member at CFR asked Prime Minister Abbasi what he thinks the role of India should be in Afghanistan.
Abbasi: "Zero. (Laughter) India—we don’t foresee any political or military role for India in Afghanistan. I think it will just complicate the situation and it will not resolve anything."
On Hafiz Saeed
The New York Times journalist David Sanger asked PM Abbasi how an independent candidate was allowed to display posters featuring Hafiz Saeed's photos during his election campaign for the recent NA-120 by-poll in Lahore.
Abbasi responded: "If you’re talking about Hafiz Saeed, he belongs to a proscribed organisation. We have taken action against him. He’s in house arrest. In the recent by-election, the candidate did use his poster, his picture as an election poster, which is illegal to do, and action will be taken against him by the election commission. But he polled about four per cent of the vote. So we do not condone such activity, and we will take action where it’s required. And we have taken action in the past. He has been under detention for over two to three years now."
On not wearing a tie
Many took to social media in Pakistan to point out that Abbasi had not worn a tie while attending sessions at the UN and even during his meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence, terming his look 'informal' or 'unprofessional'. Abbasi explained the reason behind that at the end of his session at CFR.
Abbasi: "Just a — just an off-the-cuff remark. It’s about the tie. I went to school in California. So in California, they said you only wear a tie on the day you get married or [on the day] you die. (Laughter.) So it’s neither of those events, so. (Laughs.)
Sanger (of NYT): "If I could be king for a day, that would be my rule."
On US military bases in Pakistan
The prime minister was asked by journalist David Sanger whether Pakistan currently hosts any American bases or operations on its territory.
Abbasi responded: "No, no."
Sanger: "Regular bases? None?"
Abbasi: "None. No bases at all."
On his adventurous side
In an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour, PM Abbasi talked about his passion for skydiving.
Comments (74) Closed
Even as a PTI supporter I can say this PM is bright intelligent and confident but why is he still blindly following NS I will never understand that.
Present-mindedness. Well-done!
It's is test for PM to demonstrate his political vision and intellectual ability in front of UNGA forum and media. This is why, we need a patriotic, honest and strong leader who has the vision and ability to interact and advocate Pakistan's regional and international views. I think PM Abbasi does not have leadership qualities have no experience in world politics.
impressive
I just admired the courage of Mr Abbasi who dared to challenge the dress code defined by humans!!!! A human being should have the guts to define his own rules and codes in petty issues such as dress code
Mr. PM has impressed me on his first visit. He talk with sense and confidence that is one of the good quality of him.
He has done better than Sharif.
thats some quick wit at display - nice
think SKA is much smarter than people perceive..
Answers were not that bad could have been better though.
Good answers.
Now imagine what would Nawaz Sharif had replied were he asked the same question? Good replies. And as one commenter said above, present minded.
Great, PM you did well , hope he is allowed to complete the remaining tenure of the present parliament..
Wao , what a brilliant and balanced answers .
It is good to know that a PM can answer the questions without reading from a card.
@Gaz... loyalty to the true, core values and root of democracy is what makes a true patriot. but not loyalty to a person...
see PMLN, you have a much better speaking PM than your previous PM
The government surprisingly is working pretty smooth since Nawaz Sharif went out, this should be enough to understand how Nawaz Sharif clogged the governments day to day activities.
And Khaqan Abbasi is well suited to represent the country on international forums.
Current PM is intelligent and well versed for interviews and talk shows. Today's politics involves smart PMs who have current knowledge and can respond well to connect with the world. Congratulations Mr. Abassi. I bet NS and brothers couldn't handle this kind of interview.
PM Abassi is quite smart and different from his predessor. I hope he will serve Pakistan in a befitting manner, and he will put back on track the derailed train.
He is refreshing ! to us who have seen dismal performances by his predecessor. Although he had made some remarks indicating his subservience to Nawaz Sharif, he seems to be speaking his own mind; and that is good.
Knowing the aviation industry as he does, will Prime MInister Abbasi do something practical for PIA? Like making the federal government take over its cancerous loan liabilities, clean the slate and tell the management to produce profit. Also permit the administration to unload the parasitical personnel who produce no output but eat into the carrier's income. Also tell the CAA to make foreign airlines pay selling commission to travel agents and 1% tax on ticket price to FBR without raising fares without permission from CAA.
Well done PM a person who is candid
I saw his interview on CNN with CA. He was incoherent and lost in his responses which were neither useful for strategic nor for tactical purposes. He was more interested in fixing his hair on the forehead rather than present himself as leader interested in providing explanation. A massive opportunity lost by him, trying to respond in English rather than Urdu. Many countries used their national language for answering media questions, but for some baffling reason he decided to use poor English to make himself heard.
BRAVO! Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. I think you are the best and most intelligent prime minster ever!!!
He's fantastic
@Gaz whats wrong in following him, he is experienced Dont be biased being a PTI supporter .
Nice to see someone standing up to protect Pakistan image which is badly hurt in last few years. Pakistan needs to aggressively pursue its foreign policy.
we have seen so many PM's with so called word politics experience but could not speak a world. Abbasi is educated and honest to his core- so far I know him
Well educated with sound mind and great vision. He shall do wonders with right team. We hope all the best for this energetic PM.
That's how much difference a well educated man can make
Well spoken PM Abbasi
he managed himself well and with confidence, much better than his predecessor. if get from the shadow of msn he can deliver.
Well done PM. like his confidence.
seems like PM had a present mind at the session. its good too see his confidence and being the voice of his own.
@Ahsan because Nawaz is totally opposite to him he is neither smart neither intelligent or confident. That's why I cannot understand that how an intelligent guy can follow a not so intelligent guy.
Far smarter than NS, and grounded too...
Nicely tackled!
Appears to be polished, confident person. At ease . Hope he stays for a while and give a sensible and positive direction to the governance.
I think our prime minister handled himself not just well but very well. (It is very hard to face so many highly experienced journalist.)
well done Mr. PM. we need people like you who can answer straight forward and not consult hand notes.
i really admire PM's reply on indian role in afghanistan as well as question about airblue. Bravo Mr. PM. where were you before???
Intelligent replies. Certainly an improvement on previous goofies - Asif Zardari & Nawaz Sharif.
Those were easy questions and simple answers. Take an independent stand Mr. PM
He sailed through the questions in a diplomatic way, but none of the answers was intelligent and worthy of a statesman.
PML-N is not a democratic party. Had they forced this priciple in their party this country might have got some great leaders like Abbasi.
@Gaz loyalty! he is one geniune worker of part. I think.
During an interview Abbasi Sab said that Haffiz Saeed has been under house arrest for the last 2/3 years . The fact is that he has been restricted in his house since early this year.
Keep following our foreign policy advisors and you will come out looking like a star. Zardari's visit to the US was just as great as this one. So all the credit goes to the foreign service officers that know and understand the situation and prep our PM well.
Enjoyed reading it :)
he need to cut the cord with the sharif family, He is far too educated for being surrounding himself with sharif's stooges
Very interesting person. I liked his answers.
The way these questions were asked and replies given with sense of humor and audience laughing, we need someone like this to represent country on international forums, not some one to hold a 4*6 card in hand and read from there.... good job Abbasi sb.
He is doing a great job. very impressive.
Really like the new PM handling out some of the most notorious people around. :)
Very positive under the soft skin.
Why he laughs...Stop laughing and be serious with your job...We have great hopes from you
Well done Prime Minister. Keep our flag high!
Realistic and good answers to questions asked.Superb!
Not Bad.
i must say he is better then NS for sure ... didn't use any chits to answer questions ... well done pm abbasi
Thank you PM Abbasi,well articulated and forceful,yet with the correct touch of humour
At last we have a prime who can speak well after B.N. Bhutto.
So far he is doing great as PM, except he should keep away from the Sharifs.
@M Khalid Rahman. Never jump to conclusion in judging a person so early. If he becomes the next P. M. Of Pakistan, he will be working under pressure and influence of Shariff family.
Hats off for Mr. Abbasi, he is the PM of a nuclear state, he should be confident like that.
Brilliant Witty and diplomatic. Winner.
@Anti-Corruption_Pakistani But he did well !!
Well presented PM sahib.
He has done quite well and said everything without hesitation
witty
Its very clear look like the Prime Minster of Pakistan,was to shaky and nervous you can judge from his body language, The question he was getting form the Media was too difficult for him to his credential his IQ and the knowledge in politics is to week. I think the Prime Minster has no way near leadership qualities and have no experince in world politics. Thanks Ken K.Z `
@Gaz he is towing ISPR line
No doubt , he really did well in his maiden visit and speech at UN.
10 out 10 Mr. Prime minister... well done.